We're all on the same page, Mamas!

Here's me sending out warm, fuzzy vibes to Harlem, NY and Sister's Uptown Bookstore where I spent the most amazing day yesterday.

I had a signing there for Feel Good, Girl, and wasn't quite sure what to expect. Actually, that's a lie. I thought I knew what to expect. I expected a small group because we didn't really promote the signing that heavily. I expected to do a quick reading, sell a couple copies and be out the door within an hour. What I got instead, absolutely blew my mind.

Yes, it was a small group: a few parents, a few grandparents and their little ones. I did the standard reading, explained why I wrote the book, and then I opened up the floor for questions...that's when the magic happened.

Sister's Uptown Bookstore is probably the coziest, most inviting store I've ever been in. It's got a warm and homey feeling that just makes you want to buy a hot drink, find a nice nook to do some work or read, and spend the entire afternoon. Well those cozy vibes must have gotten to everyone, because when I opened up the floor for questions, our little group (strangers to each other, mind you) came to life!

We talked about our fears as parents raising children in today's world. We talked about what it was like when we were growing up. We compared the changes we've seen happen over the years in our own neighborhoods and in society at large. And we talked about the different ways we struggle to keep our kids grounded. It was amazing!

Everything happens for a reason, and that small chatty group taught me more than a big, impersonal gathering ever could have. I got invaluable insight about Mamas (and Daddies) straight from the source. I learned that:

• We're all scared.
• We're all fighting to save our kids' innocence while they're being assaulted with the images and ideals of a society that could give a damn about their well-being.
• We realize that our kids need to be strong to resist the temptations of this world, and their source of strength needs to be us.
• Many of us feel like we're in this struggle alone.

How deep is that? What an incredible inspiration for FGG ! I'm looking forward to meeting and hearing from more parents on these issues. I think we're at the beginning of something good!